Join us for the 2026 season of the Gunnison Orchestral and Vocal Academy (GOVA), a premier ten-day summer program dedicated to cultivating artistry and collaboration in the breathtaking heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Presented by Imagine212 and hosted at Western Colorado University, this immersive experience offers world-class training in a supportive and inspiring mountain environment.
We are offering training for the following instruments:
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba
Timpani/Percussion
Harp
World-Class Instrumental Training
Our Orchestral and Chamber Music programs provide intensive, performance-focused training designed to elevate your musical craft. All instrumentalists participate in both the full Festival Orchestra and focused chamber ensembles, ensuring a rich and varied experience. You will receive personalized coaching and mentorship from a faculty of distinguished artists, including:
- Yumi-Hwang Williams, Concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra
- Sean Claire, Concertmaster of the Symphony of the Mountains and core member of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
- An-Lin Bardin, prize-winning cellist and member of the Bardin-Niskala Duo
- See the full current roster at our website, and keep an eye out for new additions!
Unparalleled Collaborative Opportunities
A hallmark of the GOVA experience is the unique opportunity to collaborate with masters from other disciplines, fostering a rich artistic exchange against a stunning mountain backdrop. As an instrumentalist, you will work directly with:
- World-class vocalists in professionally staged operatic and concert productions.
- Professionals from the Joffrey Ballet, who will consult on our collaborative performances.
- Members of the Colorado Symphony through exclusive networking events and collaborative performance opportunities.
Professional Performance Experience
Showcase your development in a series of professionally produced concerts.
All participants are guaranteed the opportunity to perform alongside our faculty members, with the chance to earn a role in feature ensemble chamber music performances.
The academy culminates in several public concerts, showcasing your work in large orchestral settings, intimate chamber ensembles, and a concert performance with our vocal arts division.
These diverse performance opportunities provide invaluable stage experience in a professional and inspiring setting.
